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Most people are guilty of playing favourites with their garments, so when it comes to keeping them clean, there’s a lot at stake. Laundry tips and secrets can be super helpful, but also dangerous if they don’t provide the desired result. Read on as we debunk several popular myths—and show you how to wash your clothes the right way.

Myth: You can refresh unwashed jeans by freezing them.

Truth: The act of freezing a garment simply makes the bacteria on it lie dormant. So beware, once your jeans thaw out, they’ll be just as dirty (and smelly) as they were before.

The right way: To reduce fading and shrinking, wash jeans inside out in cold water with a detergent made for that cycle, like Ariel Automatic Powder for full automatic machines or Ariel Powder for regular machines, then line dry naturally. (Always check care labels and washing instructions first to confirm that a garment is machine washable.)

Myth: You can’t put bras or lacy lingerie in the washer.

Truth: If you throw undergarments into the washing machine, they’re likely to get tangled and stretched out, and lace detail can fray from rubbing against other clothes. But hand washing isn’t the only solution.

The right way: Use a mesh laundry bag to protect bras and delicate lingerie in the wash cycle, and hang dry after. Yes, it’s that easy.

Myth: Silk blouses are dry clean only.

Truth: As long as the label doesn’t say“dry clean only,” hand washing is safe for silks.

The right way: Fill a clean sink with lukewarm or cold water and add detergent, like Ariel Powder. Lightly agitate for three to five minutes, rinse well, and dry flat.